That’s me, my arm, and my friend John. I still can’t hold my 6sPlus and take a selfie. Is there a trick to this? I don’t want a stick. Help!
Now, to the point. What am I thinking? I will NEVER finish the Appalachian Trail in 5 years.
First of all, just the logistics is going to be really hard. Then add the cost. I’m not charging any of this. Plus, I spend 4 or 5 months a year in South Africa. That leaves me 7 months a year in the States, not 12. Some of those months away will be prime hiking weather.
Then there’s just plain me. How will I ever be able to make all the sacrifices in the now, in order to save money for the travel? My Ben and Jerry’s weekly fix out the window? My incessant eBay shopping ground to a hault? I need to buy so I don’t eat!
Truth is, I will not have the money to do this in 5 years. The Lottery is my only chance and I don’t buy tickets.
I want to get my base weight down. That will not be free.
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG THIS WILL TAKE.
Recalibration: I am Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Period.
Any advice on my selfie technique? I can only reach the shutter with a fingernail! It doesn’t work! Oh, wait! Can I activate the shutter with a voice command? Ha.
Got it. Set the timer!
Gray In The Woods 
My two cents: After PA and NJ sections are done, focus on the areas you want to see the most. Don’t save the best for last. I wouldn’t put the highest peak Clingmans dome high on the priority list – I actually forgot for over twenty years that I was there in 1989. The view was insignificant.
Yes, the AT can cost you. This year I spent on a four mile dog walk up on Kittatinny Ridge what other people spend for a thru hike . Tripped on a rock and broke my wrist. Funny, but more than getting hurt I remember the happiness I felt to be on the trail before i got hurt. Actually the most painful part was the stress my insurance gave me. Three weeks later I was up there on the trail again with my wrist brace. For some reason the vultures were circling above me, haha.
Anyway, I enjoy your trail stories and I feel inspired to get out more.
Season’s Greetings and all the best for the new year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the input! Great suggestions. I will be on the Kittatinny Ridge tomorrow! Stop over! 🙂
LikeLike
I did an overnight on New Year’s Eve. Rt 206 to the Mohican Center. I think it was the most interesting hike I’ve done! Snow. Ups and downs that don’t hurt and some great views. The Trail made some really unexpected turns!
LikeLike
Like anonymous said…it’s all good. Relax, Doug!! Play some music
Lindy
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Nice job! 🙂
It’s not uncommon for section hikers to take 15 to 25 years to do the whole trail. Just sticking it out there as a yardstick. 🙂 Five years was really pretty ambitious. I’ve got one friend who did half as a thru, and that was thirteen years ago, and he’s still got something like 400 miles to finish.
That said, it’s ALL good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person